Explore the Sparkling Waters of Georgian Bay Ontario

Georgian Bay Ontario is a huge, freshwater bay on the east side of lake
Huron. About 80% the size of Lake Ontario, Georgian Bay is a magnet for
sailors. Breathtaking scenery, countless islands to explore, hidden
anchorages and small villages make this a delight for cruising sailors.

Here are some facts about beautiful Georgian Bay Ontario (distances are approximate due to the nature of the coastline):

length: 199mi / 320km

width: 50mi / 80km

deepest: 450ft / 137m

surface: 5,792sq mi / 15,000sq km

coastline: 1,243mi / 2,000km

islands: 30,000+

This part of Ontario is the traditional home of the Anishinabe people
– Ojibwe, Odawa (Ottawa) and Algonquin. The Huron or Wendat peoples
lived on the southern side of Georgian Bay so it undoubtedly was a major
trading route before contact with Europeans. The first European in the
area was in all likelihood Etienne Brule, the youthful interpreter for
Samuel de Champlain and great explorer. (Brule was probably the first
European to ever lay eyes on lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron and Superior.)

Georgian Bay was first charted in 1815 and given the initial name
of Lake Manitoulin. The British Admiralty surveyor, Lt. Henry Bayfield
(later Admiral Bayfield) renamed it in 1822 after King George IV.
(Bayfield, ON and Bayfield, WI, are named after Bayfield.)

Increasing incursions by Europeans brought disease and conflict
and over some 200 years, the native presence faded. During the War of
1812, the British navy build a naval base near Penetanguishene. With the
extension of the railroad to the port town of Collingwood, an influx of
tourists began that continues to this day.

At the northwest corner of Georgian Bay lies Manitoulin Island,
the largest freshwater island in the world. This hidden gem offers a
spectacular, untouched landscape, over 100 small, pristine lakes and
superb fishing for the angler.

Georgian Bay lies completely within the province of Ontario. Its
coastline is very rugged, especially the further north you go. Entry
into Georgian Bay is through the Main Channel, between the tip of the
Bruce Peninsula on the south and Manitoulin Island to the north. The Bay
is studded with thousand of small islands, most to be found along the
eastern coastline. The population is noticeably thinner, the landscape
much more rugged and the scenery increasingly more stunning. Small towns
and communities replace large cities. A resource-based economy, centred
on forestry and mining as well as tourism, edges out farming and
manufacturing.

For many, Georgian Bay Ontario is synonymous with cottage
country. For generations of Ontarians and for many Americans, Georgian
Bay is also synonymous with lazy, idylic summers. Sparkling waters,
miles of dark green forests and delightful villages are the images that
these magic words - “Georgian Bay” - conjure up for so many.

For the cruising sailor, the rewards are huge! Countless
thousands of small islands and inlets, isolated anchorages with stunning
scenery and picturesque villages offer a sailing paradise for the
adventurous cruiser.

Check out these ports reviews of harbours around Georgian Bay and set your course for adventure.

a practical, easy-to-use yet thorough format to
record all of the necessary information about your boat and any
cruises you take – whether exploring home waters or voyaging to
distant ports across the Great Lakes.

Copyright and TM 2011 - 2016 Great-Lakes-Sailing.com.
All Rights Reserved.
Permission is granted to make copies of web pages for personal, non-commercial use, providing pages are unmodified, the copyright and trade mark notice is included and the following credit appears: Source - www.great-lakes-sailing.com